It's never too soon to start thinking about boat designs. That way you'll be ready for the sixth annual April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge on April 28.
As usual it will be held at the Madeira Park government dock in Pender Harbour. The major event will involve teams of boat-builders who have three hours to create a boat from materials provided, using hand tools only. Then the builders race their boats around a pre-set course in front of thousands of screaming fans (well, maybe hundreds), vying for cash prizes. Back by popular demand will be the Spiffy Skiffy prize (people's choice award) for the best looking boat and the Broken Paddle award for the team or individual showing the greatest perseverance in the face of adversity.
Every year, the planners of this crazy event introduce a new twist. Last year was the year of the polyethylene plastic boats. This year, the new twist will be revealed only when you show up on the morning of April 28. But some things don't change. As usual, you bring your own hand tools; the only exception is a battery-powered screw gun. There will also be the ever popular mini-boat building for kids, and new this year, origami boat building as well as other kids' activities and boat-building demos. The Pender Harbour Rotary Club will set up their tempting barbecue on the dock. The entry fee is $160 per team, $140 for early birds who register before April 1. Deadline for entries is April 21. Call Richard or Jackie at 604-883-0539 for details, if you'd like to volunteer or if your community group wants to get involved.
